Ctenanthe ‘Amagris’

The selection story behind ‘Amagris’

‘Amagris’ was discovered and selected by René Denis in Beervelde-Lochristi, Belgium, in June 2000 from a naturally occurring whole-plant mutation in cultivated Ctenanthe.

The compact growth, fine leaf pattern and grey-purple undersides stayed consistent through propagation, establishing the cultivated form sold today.

A complete care routine for ‘Amagris’

• Light: Give ‘Amagris’ bright filtered light. Gentle early or late sun can be introduced gradually, with stronger midday light softened by distance from the glass or a sheer curtain.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the surface of the mix feels lightly dry. Wet the root ball evenly, let the pot drain fully and keep moisture steady while fresh leaves are opening.
• Humidity: Moderate-to-high humidity helps new leaves open smoothly and supports healthy leaf edges. Keep gentle airflow around the compact crown.
• Temperature: Keep ‘Amagris’ in a warm room with steady temperatures.
• Water quality: Use rainwater or filtered water in areas with very hard tap water.
• Potting mix: Use an airy, moisture-holding blend with fine bark and perlite or pumice mixed through a good houseplant base. Let excess water drain freely after watering.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced houseplant fertiliser at low strength while new leaves are being produced. When growth eases, feed at wider intervals.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot when roots densely fill the container, fresh shoots crowd the rim or the potting mix has become compacted. Divide a mature clump into rooted sections with several healthy shoots.

Reading common stress signs on ‘Amagris’

• Brown tips or narrow crisp margins: Moisture swings, dry air and minerals in hard water are common causes. Stabilise watering and humidity first, then use rainwater or filtered water when mineral deposits are visible on the mix or pot.
• Leaves rolling tightly or hanging limp: Dry potting mix, excessive heat, very dry air or root damage can cause this. Check the roots and pot weight before watering. If the pot is dry and light, soak it thoroughly. If the mix is still moist, check temperature and humidity and inspect the roots if the plant continues to decline.
• Bleached or papery patches: Strong direct sun can mark the fine leaf surface. Move the plant into bright filtered light and increase its time in direct sun gradually.
• Yellowing with a soft base or sour-smelling mix: A soft base and sour-smelling mix point to decay around the roots. Inspect the roots. Cut brown or mushy tissue back to firm healthy tissue with a clean disinfected tool, discard the damaged material and repot in fresh airy mix.
• Tiny pale speckles, webbing or cottony clusters: Spider mites or mealybugs are common causes of these signs. Check leaf undersides, leaf stalks and the centre of the clump. Isolate the plant and clear away visible pests. Use a treatment labelled for the confirmed pest and repeat it at the interval stated on the label.

For mixed symptoms, Foliage Factory support can identify the most likely cause.

Ctenanthe ‘Amagris’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

What does the name Ctenanthe mean?

Ctenanthe combines Greek kteis, meaning comb, with anthos, meaning flower.

August Wilhelm Eichler established the genus Ctenanthe in 1884 in Abhandlungen der Königlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, volume 1884, page 81.